Chapter 11: Winner Takes All

It was very possible that Cody likely spent more of his time at Tom's than he did inside his own apartment - when he wasn't executing his mayoral duty.

Hitting the weights was a favorite and non-negotiable part of his turnaround routine. His lifelong sanctuary was lowkey enough to hang around with minimal disruption. His longtime reputation at the gym coupled with Haggar's comradery with Tom himself worked in his favor here, unlike at the new, high-profile gym down the street.

Tom's was also far more preferable to the humdrum dregs of prison. Supporting smaller businesses was certainly on the agenda for this mayor, after all.

It certainly beat the deskwork that plagued most of his weeks these days. He wondered sometimes if he weren't mayor, if he would have just ended up living here instead.

Tom's regulars barely bat an eye when he'd come in for his almost-daily sets, except this afternoon was different.

He hadn't come alone, or with Luke for that matter. He was with the former mayor's daughter - the supermodel - the poker champion. The one and only Jessica Haggar. The obnoxious sounds of weights dropping happened a bit more frequently than usual.

Jessica took the time to re-lace her sneakers and tie her hair up as Cody changed into his tracksuit in the locker room. It was far more comfortable to move in sweats than his form-fitting three-piece suit, though that never stopped him before…

Jessica led the two of them toward the ringside at the corner of the gym - the prime spot for sparring partners and a familiar hangout from their earlier days. Cody was intrigued regardless. What could she possibly…?

"All right," Jessica placed her hands on her hips as Cody tilted his head. "Hit me."

"Like…throw a punch?"

"No, give me a big, squishy hug. C'mon now - surprise me!"

"Okay…" he raised a brow, rubbing his wrist. He was expecting some sort of display of strength but it seemed like she wanted to engage well beyond that. "Can ya at least wear some gear? I mean, I dunno what I'm in for, here…"

"Oh, quit yer belly-achin'. You're always itchin' for a fight any other time! Let's go!"

"All right…" the brawler shrugged in resignation and got into position to strike.

"Gotcha!"

Before he knew it, he was countered with a block and a twist.

"What the—?!" A few seconds later he was incapacitated, arms bound and his face two inches from the floor.

Her physique felt much more intense than he ever recalled - he had been used to her softness from way back when - seemed as if she were packing under all her cuteness. She let go of her hold on him as they straightened themselves out.

He really had to keep his cool.

"You know, Cody…" Jessica turned around, giving an effortless flex. "I fight now, too. I wasn't gonna be away from Metro City this long and not pick up a thing or two. So what better time than now to put my skills to the test?!"

The brawler's eyebrow immediately raised. What didn't she do since they've been apart?! "Is that so? How long have you been trainin'?"

"Long enough," she beckoned. "So whaddya say?"

The brawny six-one brawler was squinting down at her petite five-five frame. He was still collecting his bearings. "Like a full-on round?"

"C'mon, Cody," Jessica started. "And here I thought you were a 'shoot first, ask questions later' kinda guy. Don't you underestimate me just 'cause I got kidnapped before. I'm not half bad, y'know. I may not be a big guy like you, but I know how to defend myself now. 'Sides, I watched you and my dad fight for years. I was bound to pick up somethin' eventually."

"Would ya look at that!" the mayor responded, eyes widening as he crossed his arms. "Takin' up trainin'…somehow, this is not where I ever expected to see us almost fifteen years outta high school. Me in the frickin' mayor's office and you…in the ring."

"You're tellin' me! I still can't wrap my head around the fact that people actually voted for you."

"Ha ha."

"I'm kidding, of course. But…really, I was tired of feeling so defenseless all the time. You, dad, and even Guy always felt like you had to 'protect' me at all costs - like I was made of glass," Jessica pouted, hand on her hip, pointing her finger right into Cody's chest. "Like we didn't grow up in the same city!"

"I mean, that all makes sense," the never-hesitant brawler rubbed the side of his head. "When did you…?"

"…Not too long after I settled in France, I started going to the gym to find peace of mind, and release some of that frustration…but it turned into something more," she rubbed her wrist as she recalled the tiny gym on the other side of the world where her journey started. "I couldn't get enough of working the punching bag. Next thing you know I'm enrolling in self-defense and kickboxing classes. Before I even knew it, I ended up training every weeknight. I got so into it, I even reached out to Guy because I knew he had been teaching. He was kind enough to take me under his wing for the fundamentals. I figured what better time than away from Metro City to learn how to really protect myself!"

Cody could sense a different energy to Jessica since the day he spotted her in the audience during her mother's library reveal, but he figured it was just the years between them. Yet somehow, the last thing he expected was this.

Her spark…even in the worst of times had always been just so enchanting and empowering. It's what drew him to her in the first place, all those years ago.

"It was hard at first," she sighed as she stepped back, interlacing her fingers behind her neck and resting her arms on her shoulders. "I was so angry about everything, I couldn't get the stances quite right, and everyone else but the fighter's daughter was advancing in the class except for me…and I hated it. But I had to put my emotions somewhere. I didn't know where or how to do it. So one night, I just started hitting the bag…"

Cody felt himself getting excited in a way that he didn't feel for a long time. A sensation that hadn't really triggered until he was about ready to throw down - the more dangerous the situation, the more intense it was.

He used to attribute it to being a mere adrenaline rush, but this was something more. Better than a runner's high. It felt like he was about to ignite. The two things in the world that did that for him were fighting…and Jessica.

"…and I just kept hitting it. And hitting it. My doctor said if I kept going, I would have broken my hand! So I had to stop for a bit to heal. It all felt so useless…until I started doing it for myself. I had to stop comparing myself to others. I felt a shift…and next thing you know, all I could think about was fighting. I would think about it day and night, thinking about what more I could do to improve my technique," she said, pacing. "And one day - it hit me like lightning - I finally understood what kept you so grounded even when your world was turned upside down time and time again.".

Jessica raised her arms over her head, looking toward the ceiling.

"You develop your own style and create your own energy. You look and feel good 'cause you're in shape. You have the means to protect yourself in virtually any situation. You can sense things on an entirely different plane. When you know how to fight for yourself, the sky's the limit. You can do whatever the hell you want, and the best part is that no one can ever take it away from you - what you make it into is yours and yours alone," she finally exhaled. "And damn, does that feel good."

Cody was slack-jawed and straightened up when she stopped to look at him with a smile that could light up a black hole. He wasn't…surprised, but was rather impressed.

"Whoa, Jess…I couldn't have said all that better myself," the speechwriting mayor stood back, absorbing everything she'd spilled. She sure had a way of rendering him speechless. She was able to nail what it was about the art of fighting that gave him an infinite sense of possibility.

"It's great, isn't it?" she smiled, stretching her shoulders.

"Hell yeah it is!"

Fighting wasn't something he just did. Fighting was just…who he was. He was always refining. The possibility for skill, power and technique felt endless, no matter where you were in your journey. As long as you put in the work, you could do anything you put your mind to.

There was no one in the world that could fight the way he did. It was his art. He was just learning how to apply this concept to life…

The brawler was genuinely happy that Jessica found joy in fighting. Even he realized he wasn't at her level at that point. Sure, he had the discipline and experience. But something she overpowered him in was in spirit.

Fighting with spirit…he knew the power it had to take people far beyond their wildest dreams. He was remembering…what that felt like.

"And best of all," Jessica straightened up proudly, flexing her hand. "Now, I'm so strong, I can open a jar of pickles all by myself!" she laughed.

"Hah! After all that, that was your measure of progress, huh?" he smirked, easily charmed.

"I'm not just a 'pretty little doll' anymore, Cody," she got into position. "I can hold my own. So let's go."

The mayor was certain that if he'd died in that moment, she would still be on his mind. There were a million and one reasons he could count why his feelings never truly left. He was falling hard and fast for her.

Sometimes it felt like the ground underneath him had been pulled away whenever the realization would strike, day after day. Yet, he had to remain sturdy so as not to lose his newfound stability. That thrill felt more dangerous than any tribulation he'd ever overcome, yet he remained unafraid.

He loved Jessica. He loved fighting. Two things could be true at once, couldn't they?

"Okay, then…let's do it," he flexed his hand, unable to hold back his smile.

"Show me what you've got," Jessica beckoned again, preparing her defense. She observed Cody's developing technique since they were kids. He started his martial arts classes when they entered the fourth grade, and he only improved exponentially. She simply couldn't wait to see what he had in store after all these years.

Her favorite part of being a witness to his training journey was watching his personality and confidence blossom through his technique - he integrated a part of himself through every one of his movements day after day.

It was almost as if he were becoming one with his art, and it was satisfying to watch. He was willing to analyze techniques from any style, any part of the world, all to make it his own "quick and easy" craft, exemplifying the artist in martial artist.

She knew he'd be a different sort of challenge to who she had been practicing with back in France.

Cody could read the spark in her eyes. She was dead serious. She wanted to see what he was made of. It wasn't a power struggle. It wasn't a demonstration. Not even a contest. It was meant to be a synchrony to show each other what they could do. He immediately started calculating.

So, she was familiar with all of her father's moves, trained under Guy, likely knew his weaknesses, but loved yoga right? She probably remembered some of his tells, and she watched her dad wrestle since she was a child. Bet she's quick, flexible. She's got the build of someone who could probably run circles around me, and she can definitely grapple. I'd just have to catch her off guard because she'll be eyeing me like a hawk.

Cody's first rule was to read his opponent like a book, then he'd know just how to move as he had something for everyone because of his years and absurd range of experience. They started circling each other. There was a different energy in the air - it felt electric and fiery all at once. It was time to cool down and focus.

With a strong flick of his wrist, he created a miniature tornado from the still air, headed right toward her. Just how strong was he that he could create a gale with his fist?! she thought. She was not going to let that connect. Jessica did not see that coming, but was nimble enough to evade it.

"Whew," she whistled. "That's new! I'm liking what I'm seeing already!"

"There's more where that came from!"

Calculating her options, she leapt forward to take advantage of her size and speed. Cody was huge compared to her - so the bigger they were, the harder they fell, right? She had to throw his seemingly impeccable balance before she could get in a good hit.

"Takin' it easy on me?"

Jab, jab, hook, upper…Guy's voice would echo in her head. She was going to go for it when he swiftly moved out of the way, a haymaker of his own about to come right for her. Only he had a way of putting a flair to the basics.

"Whoa!" she blocked the incoming fist, and jumped out of the way as he caught on to her so quickly. Damn, he's way faster with his fists than it looks! she thought. Was I too open?

Cody was trying to read her movement. He turned his body and aimed low before he was met with another impressive block. She skipped back, crouched and maneuvered herself opposite of where he had been facing, forcing him to turn his body. His jaw was met with a clean connect from her fist as he turned around, and she pulled back immediately to deliver a direct hit to his side.

"Ouch!"

Jessica shook her hand because his jaw was hella strong. Probably drinks whole milk every night still, she thought knowing that was probably gonna hurt her in the morning. He paused for the briefest of seconds before she reached for his arm and twisted it as she moved back behind him with a blinding sort of litheness. She poked him in the back of the knee making him buckle and was attempting to get him to submit as she sat on top of him pinning his arms.

All those years of watching dad in the ring paid off, too. "C'mon," she grunted through gritted teeth. "Counter me and take out the knife! I know it's on you!"

"Whoa—hold on a sec, Jess," Cody grunted as he pushed her off of him. They both got onto their feet immediately and proceeded with their defensive stances. "Keepin' it clean. That's all. I've never fought you before, so—"

"Okay, okay! I'm glad you didn't because I was terrified," Jessica laughed out loud as Cody slapped his forehead. "I give! You win!"

"Jeez…"

"I'm pretty good, aren't I?" Jessica laughed cheerfully as she looked up at him, loosening her bun to let her hair free. "But I know my limit. I can get a bit carried away sometimes…"

"You're not half bad," Cody said, massaging his jaw. "I could see some stuff you've learned from Guy. He's a damn good teacher. There's plenty for you to refine of course, but you almost had me for a second."

"Oh, don't try to be so cool," she scoffed as he helped her up. "I made sure that wasn't a punch out of anger," Jessica responded, sounding proud of herself. "Guy-sensei said that wouldn't be good for anyone…"

"Yech, you actually call him sensei?" the brawler gagged as she hit his shoulder.

"Hush, you," she smiled. Cody looked down at her with a concerned sort of curiosity as he knit his brow.

"So you're doin' all right? Really? The idea of inflictin' physical pain on you of all people after…y'know—everything, ain't exactly my idea of a good time…" he sweatdropped. "So I'm sorry if I seemed a little…hesitant."

Jessica laughed. "Oh, I'll be just fine. All this is making me all pretty happy, actually," she beamed.

"Happy? To get punched…?"

"No, silly. I just…really appreciate that you're always lookin' out for me. You mostly gave it your all and didn't let me get too carried away. It all reminded me of the good ol' days, y'know? All that time you, Guy and I spent together here at Tom's. I know I mostly watched then, so actually fighting…it was…nice. So I can get why it might have felt weird," she said softly, but her gentle smile was illuminating.

"Y'know…it didn't feel all that weird. It's all in good fun. I trust you with my life, after all."

"Good. 'Cause I sure hope you'll give me a chance to also protect that precious life of yours like you always did for me - instead of going it alone, as you do," she pouted.

"Not that I need protection," Cody corrected, unable to ignore the fuzzy feeling welling up from his gut. "But don't worry. I won't…leave you behind again."

The two of them had been looking at each other as if they hadn't seen one another in years.

"I think we understand each other in a very different way now," Jessica broke out into a smile as she looked up into his eyes, her face flushed with exertion, pride and joy. "Thank you for fighting me."

Cody was stunned and he felt his chest soar. Of the many times he imagined their possible reunion…those were the last words he ever expected to hear.

The mayor had not wanted for much over his lifetime - he wanted peace for the city, he wanted people to be safe, and he wanted anything that had his signature on it to be of utmost quality.

He realized in that moment that he wanted nothing more than to just be with her, responsibility be damned.

Just as he opened his mouth to respond to her gratitude, a heavy roll of thunder shook the building. All gym goers could see was water cascading down the city skies with a relentless sort of velocity through the skylight windows.

"Well, ain't that a load a sh—"

"Aw, what the heck? Getting back to Eastchester's gonna be hell in this storm if this doesn't let up soon," Jessica frowned with concern, hand back on her hip. Perhaps it was a good thing she canceled her flight back to Paris to begin with - she would have been annoyed at the inevitable weather-induced delays. Missing an entire thunderstorm in her itinerary…now she knew she was off all week. Details like this rarely went off her radar.

She pulled out her phone to gauge the next couple of hours - 100% precipitation and exorbitantly priced rideshares. "So much for clear skies all day…didn't plan for that."

Cody had a split-second thought.

"Wanna blow this popsicle stand and ride out the storm at my apartment?" he blurted before he completed said thought.

"Oh mon dieu, you're shameless!" Jessica laughed nervously, only mildly shaken by the plead in his eyes. "A little rusty, aren't ya? Flirting with me without invitin' me out to dinner first?" she crossed her arms and rested a cheek on her finger as if she had to give his bold proposal some heavy consideration. "As long as we pick up a pizza and stuff on the way…?" she teased.

"Absolument," he practically growled as he scooped her up. She was laughing - he'd only been to France once!

It'd been far too long.

Half an hour after leaving Tom's - 2:42 PM: Cody's (Elevatorless) Apartment

"Nice little place you've got here," Jessica surveyed after catching her breath from those flights of stairs, careful to keep her damp sneakers at the entrance. "Very, uh…bachelor-y." His apartment was well-kept but minimal…devoid may have been too harsh, given the view that made up for its size and bareness.

There was nothing on his walls here, either.

This guy had keys to the entire city, yet lived in the humblest-sized apartment. She wondered just how much time he spent in the office and the gym as it seemed like he didn't even live here. However, the flash of the edge of Uptown on one side and the surprisingly impressive ocean view on the other was quite spectacular, even through the torrential rain.

"Haha, sorry if the place isn't exactly spruced up to your liking," he retorted, shaking a bit of water out of his hair - his carelessness was met with squeals of protest. He mostly spared her from the rain with his towering figure when they walked to his car and water never hurt no one. Weekend parking was way better, at least. "As long as I've got a place to sleep, shower, and eat, I manage just fine. Princess Jessica on the other hand…"

He was a man of few belongings, a stark contrast to her spacious and decorated French apartment. He probably never had the time to furnish his own quarters given his limited storage space to begin with, save for the couch in the corner against the window.

As someone who regularly moved from place to place all the time growing up…it was no wonder he didn't have much else. It struck her that she may have been more sad about it than he ever was…perhaps it was all he'd ever known. They had lived with each other only for a few months, after all…

It dawned on her that she absolutely had so much more room for him.

"Hey there, buster," she started as she shook off the weight of her realization, handing him a paper towel as she patted herself. "Don't forget I can possibly kick your ass, now. So I like what I like."

"Not that there's anything wrong with that – but I'd like to see you try," he grinned quite widely this time, and she felt like she found treasure. The Cody underneath all that guard was finally showing. His generally slicked-back hair was a blond, fluffy mop again, making Jessica feel ridiculously nostalgic.

The two-time poker champion couldn't help but smile and shook her head. She was remembering how nice it was just to be with him, as annoying as he could be. He headed over into his kitchenette area, flipped the pizza box open and tossed Jessica a bottle of sparkling water from his fridge - she caught it with ease.

"This is the fanciest stuff I've got, Your Highness."

"Oh, shush, you," she smirked as she plopped onto the couch with a paper plate and a slice of pizza. "Mmm…I haven't had a Metro City slice in a minute. I've been around the world thrice and nothing tops Tony's."

"You can say that again," Cody chewed thoughtfully, leaning against his kitchenette counter – it was hardly proportionate to a guy his size. "I grabbed a pie right after I got out last year, but didn't feel so hot after downin' half the whole thing in one shot, though…so it's nice to give it another go since it got so busy for me since." He figured he could spare the details about the unfortunate whisky accident his first night out rejoining society…

"Well, now you've got someone to share with," Jessica replied, the thought of him eating alone causing yet another wave of guilt and sadness to hit her in the gut. She always wondered how his transition was, knowing the first few months were likely quite difficult for him. She hated the idea of him spending his nights alone…or with anyone else for that matter. What on earth was she thinking?

For a moment, it felt as if they'd picked right back up before everything went to hell.

"I'm just happy you're here with me, Jess," he said sincerely, with a somewhat sheepish grin. "I can't believe we're even sittin' here together right now. It feels kinda…unreal."

Unreal. Jessica thought about what that meant. Her being here was absolutely unreal. She could have been halfway around the world already at this time if things had been even a little bit different these last 24 hours. She stopped her life for him…again. She promised herself she would never, yet here she was.

The way his smile would make her stomach flip without fail…it was worth it. She couldn't love it more.

"I'm…happy to be here."

The two of them exchanged their impressions of the recent happenings popping up around Metro City these days. It'd been an experience of rediscovery for the both of them, having had spotty exposure to the city for the majority of their young adult lives - for reasons known to the world at large.

It mostly had been hilarious to them because everything today seemed so far from the reality of how they grew up, save for the old retro-drive thru they enjoyed frequenting when Jessica got her first car…life had changed so much while they were apart.

It seemed like they intended to talk about everything under the sun - or the storm clouds, as it were. It was fascinating to see the detail of the stormy, gray sky from his window. Between their memories of high school (and all the fist fights that came with…), rediscovering basic martial arts techniques or just surviving the streets of the ol' MC, there was just so much to cover.

At some point, it became less about survival and more about revival. The nostalgia was slamming them hard, and things couldn't feel more…comfortable. Hours had passed since their pizza box emptied - and before they knew it, they almost caught up to the present time.

"So…you didn't hear it from me," Cody started. "But Kyle's thinkin' 'bout proposing to Vanessa soon. Didn't clue me in on his exact plans yet, but it's happenin'." Jessica's hands flew to her mouth.

"After all this time!" she had to restrain herself from an excited scream. "That is too sweet - they've been together since high school! I'm thrilled for them! How's he handlin' the pressure?"

"He told me it was worth considerin' now 'cause Metro City's easier to live in nowadays," the older brother leaned back against the base of the couch, a proud sort of smile playing across his features. "Ain't that somethin'?"

"It's somethin' all right," she smiled.

Life changed so much, next thing they knew, the clouds had long retreated before the stars made their way into the steady night air. It had only been a few hours, but it felt like forever - time was but a construct. The city smelled of the earlier rain as it came back to life for the evening again.

Jessica was fascinated by the splendor of that ocean view of his at nightfall. He could see so much from here, but not many folks could see him from where he was - it was perfect. She got up from her seat on the couch to kneel beside him to take it in more. Her proximity was igniting.

"You've got a really nice view here, you know?" she said softly. "Good pickin'." He quickly realized that she was referring to the view outside of his window.

"Hah, you can blame your dad for this one," he chuckled dryly. "Mike figured it'd be good…to keep my head clear."

Jessica nodded. That sure sounded like her dad…always looking out for people, as he did.

"We've been through some crazy shit, yet the tough stuff always did feel easier together, huh?" She adjusted herself to sit on the ground right beside him and leaned into his shoulder. It had always been the way they relaxed together after winding down from the high of the days they once lived.

"Yep - those were the good ol' days," Cody sighed through his nose. The thumping bass of the old-school hip-hop down the street was evocative of their bolder, teenaged era, the rumble resonating deeply within them from way below.

Despite the couple of hours that passed, the reality of them sitting alone in the same room together for the majority of the day hadn't truly struck them until that moment - as if it always had been just a dream out of reach.

They had no idea how to quell the chaos brewing within them, and usually, all they ever needed was just a minute. The tension was unbearable in a way neither of them knew before - yet somehow, it all still felt worth exploring.

It certainly felt like the good old days…despite the fact that times were pretty rough then.

"So, uh…France, huh?" he finally asked, pulling them back into their now. Nothing would matter if the elephant that crept upon them hadn't even been greeted. "When are you goin' back?"

Jessica inhaled deeply as she thought about it. Arranging her flight back genuinely hadn't crossed her mind since the moment she met him at his office door. She swallowed, suddenly concerned that she let herself get lost in him after all. She hated feeling helpless to her emotions.

"Good question," she finally replied, lifting her head to look at him with a doe-eyed sort of caution. "I didn't think it through, honestly, but…I'm figurin' it out."

Cody knit his brow. He wondered exactly what it was she was trying to figure out since their formerly suppressed revelations in his office just a few short hours ago. He could sense that she had been a bit guarded since they stepped foot into his apartment, and he intended to tread lightly…he figured it couldn't be easy for her after being angry with him for so long. While he couldn't blame her, it was incredibly difficult to ignore his compulsion to make it right.

"I ask 'cause I've got a one'a them fancy-ass fundraiser parties to go to this Friday," he started, confidence rising. "A gala for savin' the polar bears or somethin' of the sort, so no pressure - gotta check my calendar. I know those tend to be your jam, so…if you happen to be in town a little longer, I was just wonderin' if you'd be willing to accompany me? Kinda like…the good ol' days?"

"As your plus one…on a date? With the mayor?" Jessica sat up briefly, mildly incredulous. She lay her head back on his shoulder in a terrible attempt to shield her bewilderment. Sure, she dragged him to a many "fancy-ass" parties on her father's behalf in their youth, so this was an interesting turn of events…

"Sure," he replied with that roguish smile of his, heart thumping double time as it betrayed his feigned composure. "Why not?"

Was he trying to get her to stay even longer - in the public eye no less?! She was already at his apartment, and they'd only seen each other for the first time in a long time just less than 24 hours ago.

He already won round one, yet he remained relentless - he always had been a persistent one once his mind was set…

"Cody…" she lowered her shoulders and sighed. He never had to ask too much before she was wrapped around his finger. She was almost disappointed in herself because her entire soul was demanding she accept his proposal, reality be damned.

She rubbed her forehead in what seemed like agitation as the brawler raised a brow in anticipation, hoping he hadn't said anything to put her off. All he could see was the top of her beautiful head as she weighed her options.

It was jarring for the conversation to feel as intense as it did when everything felt so easy in the last few hours…

This was going to be tough - she was folding fast. She told herself when she left Paris, she wouldn't let anything change the current flow of her life – yet she still was sorting through her own myriad of feelings. If they were meant to be…then they would have been meant to be.

…Right?

"Now I have to go find a dress," she finally lifted her head again, somewhat charmed blues peering into his.

"If I recall correctly, you love shoppin' for dresses," his shoulders relaxed a bit and he leaned forward with a smug smirk - he was blessed with the gift of her visage once more. It never had been his favorite thing to do, but he remembered the grueling hours it would take, despite her looking stellar in each one she tried. The light on her face for the rest of the day once she'd finally settled on the "chosen one" would always be worth it.

"Oh, yeah? What makes you think you still know me after all this time?" She thought that was mostly teasing, but a bit more resentment may have escaped than she intended for it to.

The corners of Cody's mouth turned down so deeply, Jessica swore she was hit right in the gut. "You know you can tell me anythin', right?" he sighed. "I can tell you're holdin' back. If you need to go back home sooner than that, don't you dare let me stop ya."

Jessica felt a chill pass over the entire length of her body. He certainly wasn't the one stopping her from doing anything she wanted. Yet…she still felt as if she were succumbing to the lure into the maw of the city that once captured her so. She was so close to throwing herself entirely to his whim.

The concept of home had been lost on the champion for a long time as she traveled the world during her modeling shoots and tournament seasons, but she hadn't felt the sort of agonizing bliss she was feeling just then…during time spent with him.

To her…he was home.

"I'm…sorry. We said we'd be honest, didn't we?" she mused wistfully and sat up to face him. "I guess I'm still coming to terms with everything you told me back in your office," she admitted with a deep sigh.

"…I get it."

"But I'm in no rush to go back to France right now," she followed up quickly, knowing that she'd have a lot more restructuring to do once she got back to her dad's. "I guess I…I'm just frustrated that I was angry for so long, so it's like I can't shut it off…" she breathed in, steadying her nerves. "But I…can't deny that I'm…feelin' a little somethin' between us."

Okay. This is progress, he thought to himself, as a restless, familiar flutter surged inside him. He wouldn't make the mistake of concealing his core again. Managing his feelings never came easy for him - he always just sort of felt them when he did, but he'd been so used to paying special attention to fear and anger.

He knew there'd been no benefit in suppressing the other feelings that were decidedly less destructive, but he didn't want his insatiable aggression to be what ruled him.

"So, Jess…just stay a little longer," he said with a sort of gentleness lacing his plea that surprised the both of them. "It's…been a lot. We can figure it out. I want to learn about you all over again if I have to - if that's all right with you."

"Cody…" Jessica softened as she looked at him - he always could read her like a book. She couldn't understand why she felt so conflicted in this moment, slipping well beyond her control - it was frightening, devastating, exhilarating. She even forgot he was the mayor for just a second. "Hah - that's if your schedule would allow it."

"I'll always make time for you."

Relentless. He was so relentless.

Jessica was quickly realizing that crashing into the unmerciful throes of love seemed a whole lot more effortless than detangling from it…especially with someone who clearly still cared for her despite all their tribulations. The poker queen needed a minute to regroup and collect her thoughts. She couldn't figure out how to move past…

Sleep-deprived. She was sleep-deprived.

"For the record - I'd love to come to the fundraiser with you. Right now though, it's gettin' late and I'm a little more tired than I expected to be." It slipped her mind that she'd gotten zero sleep the night prior - insomnia had been such a regular occurrence for her when he'd infiltrate her thoughts from time to time, so it hadn't felt out of the ordinary. "I'm pretty sure the roads are all dried up at this point, so I should…get going."

Because I know if I kiss you right now, there's no turning back for me.

"So…you'll stay in the good ol' MC? Just a couple more days?" he brightened up, anxiously running his hand through his shaggy hair. His anticipation was almost palpable now - for all of their differences, they really had been the same. Jessica was certain that if he were a puppy, his tail would be wagging incessantly.

"Just a couple more days."

He sighed with relief, his shoulders dropping completely. He wasn't sure if he could take her leaving so soon at this point, even if her being on his living room floor had been a miracle in itself.

"It was Tony's that cinched it for ya, huh?" Cody couldn't help but grin, sensing her inner turmoil and genuine exhaustion. He knew a thing or two about messy feelings and just wanted to put her at ease.

"He makes some damn good pizza."

They both knew it wasn't just the pizza.

She could see just how elated he was, which in turn raised a familiar, cozy sensation she hadn't experienced since way back when…was their bond not as broken as she thought? Her memories were becoming more tangible by the minute.

"I should get goin'. I barely got a wink of sleep last night - and - I didn't let dad know I'd be out so…late." She had a lot more to sift through these next few days.

"You're an adult, ain't ya?" he somewhat sighed, his sardonic smirk managing to make its way across his features. "What's it to him?"

Despite her eye roll, Jessica couldn't stop smiling. He wasn't wrong.

"You know how he gets. Either way, I've got a cab enroute…I can't believe I went without sleep for so long."

"Aw. You coulda at least let me give you a ride."

They certainly weren't kids anymore…but having each other in their young lives made growing up in hell so much more bearable.

It also felt like living without each other for the past decade had been nothing but hell.

The two of them got up and headed toward his door. Each step toward the entrance seemed to feel more weighted than the last.

Neither of them wanted to separate.

"I really appreciated you wanting to talk after all this time…" Jessica smiled. "That meant a lot to me."

"Anytime."

They stood there for a second, not knowing where they were in their minds, or who they were supposed to be to each other despite knowing so much more today than they did in the ten years past.

"One more thing, Cody," Jessica swallowed before her eyes met his. "Why didn't you just…tell me all this stuff a long time ago? Did you think it would make you seem weak or…?"

"I just…didn't wanna worry ya."

They both laughed an unfunny, pained sort of laugh. Go figure…

"Well…good night then, Cody. I'll see you around."

He couldn't have heard better words.

Right as she turned around to leave, he was met with an overwhelming urge to hold her. Before she knew it, he squeezed his large arms around her waist, burying his head in her shoulder.

She instinctively reached up around his neck to hug him right back – and she could feel just how tense he was - as if he'd just made the decision to do so. He hugged her so tightly, she wasn't sure that he could possibly let go.

She also knew that she didn't want him to let go.

"Thank you for stayin' as long as you did, Jess," he practically whispered over her shoulder, his words reverberating through her and down the corridor that led to the descending flight of stairs. His warmth seeped right into her core. "I know you didn't have to."

The two of them were still for just a moment, willing the world to just stop on their behalf. They could feel each other's hearts racing with anticipation despite their lack of expectations. Jessica pulled back slowly to look him in the eye.

"…I wanted to." They were close. They were so close the heat between them rivaled the chill of the stairwell. They were so very close all they could hear and sense were each other, subway noise be damned.

"A good problem to have…"

All they could feel were each other.

"I should go," she inhaled sharply. "My rideshare's…been waitin' downstairs. I'll see you. At the fundraiser. I have to…take care of business."

"Okay," Cody exhaled, feeling violently lightheaded. He briefly closed his eyes because if he looked at her or her lips another minute longer, he wouldn't be able to resist - but he had to open them again because he couldn't bear to miss another second of her. "…I'll see you then?"

"You'll see me then."

Jessica reached up and kissed him on one side of his face, and then the other with so much tenderness, she rendered him breathless for a split second.

"Ah…Parisian habits die hard."

"Right," he exhaled sharply. "Paris…"

"I gotta go. I'll see you around, tiger."

She was gone almost as fast as she came. Face flushed, he rubbed the back of his head and sighed as the sound of her quick, descending steps faded into the distance.

"Jeez, Jess…"

The next day… - Sunday, 7:30 AM: Haggar Household

The internet could have been the tool of the ages, yet Haggar still insisted he read his daily paper - especially the Sunday paper. It was a pastime he could afford in his retirement. Jessica slept in that morning, understandably so - she canceled her flight back to Paris.

"Hasn't even been 24 hours…"

On the bottom right of the second page, a photo of his daughter and the current mayor was splashed - they'd been spotted exiting City Hall, eyes fixated on each other as they "casually" walked down the street.

Exaggeration or not, Haggar already knew. Why was the mayor at City Hall on a Saturday, anyway?

"That no good…"

He also hadn't seen Jessica's candid smile seem so…genuine for the longest time. Not since before she flew to Paris to never return to her home. Haggar rubbed his temples and sighed.

"Kids these days."

A few hours later… - 9:30 AM: Haggar Household

"Yes…yes, I know. There's no one else other than Manon that I want to do that shoot with. We'll make it work. I should be back in about a week or so - can't make any guarantees just yet. Looks like I have a couple of things to wrap up at home base…yes…yes, I know."

Jessica sighed as she heard repeated blips of a notification coming through her phone call. Only one person would text so incessantly on a Sunday…

knife2meetya: for the record, I don't care what the public says. I can't wait to see you on Friday.

knife2meetya: cuz I miss you.

…

knife2meetya: a lot

Jessica placed her phone face down. If only he knew just how much it'd been the same the other way around.

luckyacequeen: i can't wait to see you again, too

Next day - Monday, City Hall - Mayor's Office, 12:05PM

"You mean to tell me that Guy, Jessica and Kyle are in town and all of us haven't come together yet?!" Lucia slammed Cody's desk with both hands as he waved her off.

"Well, believe it or not…"

"Yeah yeah, I know - you're 'pretty busy!'" she mocked before putting an indignant hand on her hip. "I'm a detective about to skyrocket to Lieutenant now in case you forgot - so I'm onto you, buddy! Please, Cody! You've been buryin' yourself in work! We should celebrate!"

"Your promotion - yes, Lucia - I already told you we can hang for that, but this sounds like a way bigger hangout than you originally wanted," he pointed his pen at her. "What more is there to celebrate?"

"What more?! Guy's the 39th master. Carlos is on the heels opening his own dojo. Abigail's shop is seeing the most profit they've seen since launch. Jessica's a two-time world champ. I'm kickin' ass at my job. Your brother's back in town for good reason! You're Metro City's mayor for goodness sake. Hello? Ya ever hear the phrase 'give people their flowers while they can still smell 'em?' Let's go!"

Cody rubbed his temples. "Lucia…"

"Do you know how impossible it is for all of us to be in town all at the same time?!" she insisted, bright blue eyes brimming with excitement. "This is a miracle! A sign! You mean to tell me the mayor isn't allowed to take time to hang out with his friends off-duty?" she poked at the growing crease on his forehead. "You need to work on that work-life balance, my man…how can you get more innocuous than bowlin'?"

"I dunno…it's not like the mayor's work is ever done." Cody rubbed the side of his head. It wasn't often Lucia got so fired up about things - all she wanted to do was enjoy what life had to offer when she hadn't been working. Not that she didn't enjoy her job. He had so much work to catch up on, though…

"Spill. What's the real deal? Things not lookin' as nice as they do in the paper between you and Jess?" she reached both her arms to relax behind her head, gauging Cody's contorted expression.

"You could say things are still a little…tense between us." Tense was an understatement. The last time they saw each other, he thought he was going to die. Jessica also hadn't been taking too kindly to former Mad Gear members, but he didn't want Lucia to feel like she couldn't invite Roxy…

"Okay then… so wouldn't loosenin' up help?"

"Tch - when you're as wound up as I am? Jeez - just thinkin' about her makes me wanna just pass out sometimes," he sighed exasperatedly. The sound of a squealing whine broke him out of his momentary lapse of poise - and he looked up only to be met with the officer's watery eyes as she squeezed her cheeks. "Wh…why are you lookin' at me like that…"

"Aww, ya big ding-dong - you're still so in love with her!" Lucia squealed, pinching him as an unamused grimace spread across his features. "Does she know?!"

"Uh…kind of? I mean…we talked an' all. Went pretty well, I think - but it's been a while, so, y'know, she's understandably…hesitant."

"I see," Lucia rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Sounds like there's hope to me~!" she grinned while Cody groaned.

The mayor clicked his pen as Lucia popped open her phone. "Hope, huh? Hope is…good. It's just that our lives are so different now."

"So? Ain't that the truth for us all?"

"What are you doing, Lucia?" Cody raised a brow as his pocket buzzed in a different, frenetic pace of succession than its usual cadence.

"Gettin' this shindig together - whaddya think? …And done. 7 out of 8 RSVPs this Wednesday night. You're last, buddy."

Cody groaned. Stupid phone convenience.

Later that evening…Uptown: Thrive Restaurant - 8:00PM

Jessica was nervous. It had just been a whole week of tying loose ends after having been gone for two consecutive years. She was not going to let her inner torment rule over her any longer.

"Princess Jessica!" Poison exclaimed. "How lovely it is to see you again…not that I appreciate being summoned."

"Poison. We need to talk. Both business…and pleasure." Her eyes narrowed. The latter should have been "misery."

"I'm just curious as to why you're suddenly back here in Metro City," she shrugged. "You're all over the news. Man's barely been mayor and that's what it took? Bad boys not your thing anymore?"

"Right," Jessica folded her arms, determined not to let Poison get under her skin. "As if it weren't your fault we were estranged to begin with." If she revealed even a flicker of her fury, this conversation wouldn't end well. They'd all grown since.

"My fault?! Fickle little thing, aren't you…?" Poison clutched her non-existent pearls, deeply unappreciative of the brazen assault on her impeccable character. Blondie was out of her gourd. "You might wanna look inward on that one, girlie. You're the one who chose to skip town at the worst possible time," the taller woman shook her head. "So much for loyalty."

"Because you know me so well," Jessica glared. "Poison - you've got to be kidding me right now."

"Listen - I couldn't care less about why you made your choices. I'm far too busy as a promoter now, so if you know anyone, do tell! As a matter of fact…I heard you've got some moves. You should consider joining the HWA yourself - follow in your father's legacy, perhaps?" she smirked while Jessica sighed. "That's why we're here, no?"

"Why did you lie to me all those years ago? That was…so deliberate."

"What do you mean?" Poison looked surprised. She almost was…until her memory hit her like a truck. Jessica must have already had her heart-to-heart with Cody since she'd been in town. It was fun to poke this cat…

"Poison! Don't play innocent."

"Ah…right. Okay - so I told a little white lie…it's not like it wasn't entirely true! Surely you've bent a little to get what you want."

"Not at the expense of someone else, no. Petty's not your color."

"There she is - Ms. High & Mighty. Just redirect that energy toward your communication skills. I don't need to deal with that burden. My guess is he didn't tell you that he's considering joining us at the HWA after his term, then?"

"You always just seem to know what's going on in his head, don't you?" Jessica said, the very thought that bothered her for nights on end. "I've had enough, Poison. All I'm askin' is that you don't pull any more stunts - if you know what's good for you."

"Now why'd that sound like a threat?" Poison snapped. "I'm not the one all over him while you actively abandon your perfectly-built life in France - the whole world's watchin' your every move. Lookin' at him these days pisses me off, anyway," she smirked. "Truly, I wouldn't be surprised if it was our little breakthroughs that kept his head in the game even while he was in prison. I just didn't expect it to fuel his ambition to become a friggin' snake-oil salesman of all things," Poison sighed, recalling the burden that used to weigh so heavily on her shoulders. "It makes me wonder…if perhaps it was you keeping him locked up the whole time?"

"Poison, I swear…" Jessica bit down her lip in frustration as she felt the sensation build from her chest to her throat. She truly understood just then what Cody had to go through when it came to resisting a fight. She wanted to take back all of those words of wisdom surrounding restraint she once offered.

"Anyway, like I said. You don't need to worry about us anymore, not that I need to explain myself to you," Poison turned around. "I thought we were supposed to be talkin' business. I've got better things to do with my time."

"Were you upset with me? Because I turned to Cody and not you?"

Poison turned around suddenly.

"Now…why would you go on and bring up much older news like that?"

"That was one hell of a way to get back at me."

The pink-haired beauty sighed as she crossed her arms with a bit of despondence. "I got that you two were thick as thieves, okay? But…I also thought you blondies were supposed to be the fun type. I was sorely mistaken."

"Poison…you know you have a knack for knowing exactly how to strike where it hurts most," Jessica folded her arms, her gaze somehow soft, yet intense. "You've always been so strong and certain of yourself and what you wanted in life, so I guess I figured…I didn't have to worry about you as much. It's not like I could tell you how to live your life. That's…exactly what I liked about you."

"That I could fend for myself," Poison raised a brow. "Because going it alone is so how I roll."

Jessica sighed as she rubbed her wrists. "I'm sorry if you felt like I turned my back on you - but once you joined Mad Gear - that was a dealbreaker for me. I know shit was hard, but…that was…that was non-negotiable."

Poison frowned. It wasn't like she had a choice. She hated being alone in any capacity despite the fact that she could be her own phenomenal company. It had only been her and Roxy when they made the cross-country trip to restart their everything and live out their shattered dreams in Metro City - the supposed land of opportunity.

Sure, it was also ruled by violence and death, but it wasn't exactly different from anything else they'd known. Out of the frying pan and into the fire, they figured - but at least they had each other to go through it with.

Jessica understood then, and welcomed them with open arms to her hellhole of a hometown upon their arrival, using her clout and popularity in high school to ensure no one messed with the west coasters.

"So the second someone doesn't live up to your moral standards…they're just dead to you?" Poison shrugged. "Now where have I seen that before…?"

"Poison! That's not fair. You know that Cody was a completely different situation…" Jessica frowned, a dainty finger lifted, pointed right at her direction. "Not helped by you, of course."

They'd gotten close in their sophomore year of high school - Poison's first year in Metro City after escaping the broken dreams of LA - before Jessica suddenly abandoned her for that barbaric, blond best friend of hers…the same friend who protected both her and Roxy their first, frightening night in Metro City.

Poison was sure that she would have never seen him again – until she realized that he was in the same remedial classes they needed to take to ensure their graduation. Even then, it was impossible not to be drawn to his aloof, but strong and steady nature. It was no wonder Jessica fell for him then.

It didn't help that said brute was someone with such a heart of gold…she couldn't blame either of them, really. It still hadn't felt good.

Poison understood then, really…the blondies had each other since they were kids, after all - but it still stung like hell. Life wasn't easy for anyone growing up in the city when they did – so what if not everyone's solutions were the same? As long as you put up a fight and made it through to the other side, you could say you did that.

Of course Poison wanted better for herself - but being the odd one out was unacceptable and she deserved so much better than the cards life dealt her.

She also understood…that no one person's pain was ever comparable to another's. Everyone had their own struggles to rise above. She sighed.

"I figured someone like you would have seen way past my decisions then. I made goddamn sure Belger didn't touch you - trust me. But don't worry your pretty little head - Mad Gear's been old news," she wagged a finger in her face, much to Jessica's chagrin.

"That's hardly reassuring, Poison," Jessica bit her lip, tears brimming. "Of…of course I appreciated that, but…damn it, you wouldn't have had to if you didn't kidnap me to begin with."

Poison sighed. "It wasn't my idea, doll." She hated it.

"So that's it, then? Mad Gear deserves a free pass because everyone's workin' toward their happy ending?"

"If that's the way you want to see it. If you'd been here, you would have known that a long time ago," Poison's striking pink lips pouted. "I'm not gonna try to convince you of anything you don't wanna hear. Hugo and I decided that being trapped in that sort of mentality wasn't worth it…so that's why we started our own HWA and it's going to be marvelous. We're going to take over all of pro wrestling and establish our promotion as the most superior and dominant form within the wrestling world itself!" she exclaimed proudly, with a genuine sort of jubilation that Jessica recalled from their youth…

"Is that so?" Jessica sat back, reminiscing about the many, many dreams they once shared. "You know…I'd been in the wrestling business for a long time myself. I have connections that can extend beyond your wildest dreams - it's too bad you hate my guts."

"Oh, I know - but I'm no beggar. And no one said anything about hating you. You're just…so annoying."

"Speak for yourself!" Jessica huffed.

"Whatever - if your father wants to relive his old days, hell, if you wanna start somethin' new for yourself and take fighting seriously - now you know who to call," Poison winked as she slid her business card across the table before getting up. "Remember - your boyfriend's already down. You might as well."

"You drive me up the wall."

"Feeling's mutual, sweetheart," Poison blew a kiss. Ugh, she thought. Such a Scorpio.

Two evenings later…Wednesday, West Side: Metro Bowling Alley - 8:30PM

"Jessica!" Lucia ran up to hug her. "I'm so happy you could make it tonight with your busy schedule!" she squealed, unable to contain her excitement at everyone coming together for good cause. "Let's have a good time, huh? Surely you know Roxy and I have been dating, so…"

"Jessica!" Roxy waved, as she was met with a somewhat uneasy smile. Cody spotted this after exchanging his bowling shoes…and darted right over to the ladies' direction.

"Ladies, if you don't mind me - Officer…a quick word?" Cody smiled through gritted teeth as he grasped Lucia's wrist.

"Oh, uh, sure, Mr. Mayor! Be back in a sec you two!" she waved.

"Lucia! What are you doing?!" Cody hissed. "I told you that Jess is still pretty sore about…her former captors. Think maybe we can ease into this whole shindig a little?"

"What?" the off-duty officer pulled away. "We're gonna be playin' games together in a few. We came here with the intention to have fun," Lucia grumbled through half-lidded eyes. "I mean - look - they're already gettin' along! And we're teammates buddy - you gotta trust me here."

"Wh–?"

Cody looked over to see both Roxy and Jessica engaged in what seemed to be an intense, but not heated conversation.

"Huh. Would you look at that?"

"So…long time no see," Roxy smiled sheepishly, mildly annoyed that Cody pulled her insistent, but grounding girlfriend away. Thank goodness Guy hadn't arrived yet or things would have felt even more awkward. But…Lucia insisted she didn't have to hide who she is just because of who she was.

"Roxy…you doing okay?"

"I'm just fine! Are you? I'm honestly kinda surprised to see you here. I figured, maybe you…"

"Hey. We're here for a good time, not a long time, right?" Jessica smiled - an icy sort of half-smile that sent a shiver down the redhead's spine.

"R…right!" Roxy smiled, despite Jessica not budging. "Um. I know this is probably weird to bring up now of all times…but I thought it would be important for you to know…Poison and I…we didn't want to upend your life. It's just…things sort of happened that way. Bein' in the gang. You know?"

"I…I don't know, Roxy," Jessica pursed her lips. "You…you kidnapped me. Forgive me if I can't just get over it."

"I understand…but I'm tellin' ya - things are so much more different now," she responded cheerily, not exactly wanting to rehash her own days of old. Life was hard enough as it was. "I'm sure you've seen for yourself! Don't have to struggle to survive nowadays, you know? We're free to just be. A lot of that is because of your dad and your…uh, boyfriend, after all." Roxy recoiled when she saw the incredulous look on the blonde's face.

"First off," Jessica paused the redhead right there as she managed to suppress her blush. "No matter what the papers say, Cody is not my boyfriend. We're just catchin' up…"

"Right…"

"I'll never forget you and Poison protecting me from the clutches of that…man. But I do have a question for you. Roxy - do you believe that the ends justify the means?"

"N…not always, no. There's a lot of decisions I've made in the past that I absolutely regret. But I don't regret all of the family I've made on the way on this crazy journey called life," Roxy sat back. "I mean - things are pretty good now - and if anything had been different…who knows where we would've ended up? Poison and I didn't expect to make it to our 30s even - we always said 'live fast, die young,' you know? So this is all brand new territory for the both of us. Metro City…it became our home and I wouldn't have it any other way. Life…life feels good nowadays."

"I get it…you've always been just a little sweeter than Poison, haven't you?"

Roxy laughed. "I dunno about that. She told me you two had a run-in the other day. Maybe…maybe collaborating can be one way to rebuild bridges, you know?" she said nervously, eyeing Lucia. "Think about it. Sounds like a win-win to me, wouldn't you say?"

"It could be…"

"Guy!" Jessica almost shrieked when they had a moment to catch upon his arrival – she was mildly relieved that she could steal a minute away with him after speaking long-distance for so many years. "It's been so long since we saw each other last - you look so good!"

"Right back at you, Jessica," Guy somewhat shouted, but still as even-keeled as ever.

"Lucia was right. It's a good thing we're all together now because…it seemed I had a lot of loops to close…"

"While a bowling alley's the last place I'd anticipate our reconciliation, I must admit, it's quite nice. Lucia…knows how to pick her spots."

"She sure does!" Jessica laughed. "I'm curious…you and Cody had a little chat the other day, didn't you? I know he can be a bit crazy, but showing up to my dad's at near midnight? I'm surprised dad didn't execute him right then."

Guy laughed. "Consider it divine intervention. I think he would've come by himself regardless," he grinned at her, a sight she could never get used to. "He couldn't seem to grasp that caring for you shouldn't come at his expense. The ability to live freely…isn't afforded to all of us."

"I get it," Jessica said, hugging him. "Thank you for always lookin' out for us, Guy, holistically so…I couldn't be more grateful and honored to have you in my life."

"Of course," Guy smiled. "I feel the same. You've always done the same for me."

Once the rest of the crew arrived, it was time to get the party started. The Metro Bowl had been recently remodeled and transformed into a genre-defying bowling alley with high-tech lanes, live music and its bar and restaurant area's food was provided by the nearby world-famous Americana dishes. Every intricate detail of this alley just oozed a good time - Lucia knew how to make her picks despite her own entertainment skills…

Lights were dim in this neon-themed alley, and Lucia figured it was perfect and loud enough that they could enjoy their private lane booths. Having enough security detail was one thing, but just having the time without having to engage with citizens in a public space was another. Lucia patted her back for her endless brilliance.

"Oh, Luci - you're so thoughtful and considerate," Roxy yelled over the music as the evening started. "That's just one of the many things I adore about you!"

"Roxy, stop!" Lucia laughed. "You're too sweet to me."

"I can hardly hear myself think over this drivel," Guy's deep voice resonated as loudly as he could project it - but he hadn't been used to the sort of strain the effort of elevating his voice required. "Lucia - can they at least lower the volume?"

"It's live music, Guy!"

Meanwhile Cody and Jessica were off in the corner laying down their own home rules. Despite being on the same team, when it came to competition, it was no holds barred.

"So you've got one over me in the ring. We both know I'll always destroy you in poker. But - I bet I can score more than you at bowling, too," she teased as she looked up at him with a menacing, confident grin. She knew that would poke the bear.

"Oh yeah?" Cody moved closer to her, their familiar proximity sparking the space that surrounded them. "Placin' bets now, are we? What're the stakes?"

Jessica took a minute. "I win, you owe me an extra-fancy dinner on top of your invite. I'm talkin' gold leaf fancy."

"Whoa – bringin' out the big guns? And if I win?"

"I'll rearrange things to stay in Metro City even longer," she smirked. "Let's say…a couple of weeks instead of days. So you're gonna have to work for it."

"Really now?" Cody grinned, more than up to the challenge. The stakes were unnecessary because he planned to win anyway. "In that case - winner takes all."

The competition was on – Cody, Kyle, Lucia and Jessica as the MC Blondies against Carlos, Vanessa, Roxy and Guy, the Protectors.

"Why did we go with Guy's name pick again?" Roxy facefaulted.

"Because it's a great name," Guy said indignantly. "I mean, Blondies? Sounds like a bunch of cookies."

"Lighten up, will ya!" Vanessa laughed. "Name doesn't matter when we're gonna kick their ass."

"I didn't vote for our name, for the record," Cody called out from the opposite side of the alley.

"Stop listenin' in!" both Roxy and Vanessa yelled back.

The rounds continued well into the night, the competition far too close. It had become clear to the rest of the team, however that the mayor and poker champion had their own agenda. Stolen whispers, odd strategizing without the rest of the blondies…it were as if they were in their own world.

"I'm winning our bet," Jessica grinned devilishly, gesturing toward the scoreboard. They were on the same team.

"Not by much," Cody grunted. "All I need is another strike and you're out, baby."

"It's been a little while for you, huh?" Jessica looked up at him, a familiar sensation rising like a sun in her core.

"M…maybe a little."

On the opposite side of the alley…the group had been shaking their heads, just…waiting for the pins to be dropped. Any minute now…

"Whoa whoa whoa - am I the only one seein' this?" Kyle leaned against the column, one arm gesturing toward them in disbelief as the other stayed crossed.

"Forget the rest of us, why doncha…" Lucia slapped her forehead.

"Look at them," Roxy squealed into Vanessa's ear. "They can't keep their eyes off each other!"

"They're really just…dancin' around it, huh?" Vanessa laughed.

"I know, right?" Roxy cackled. "I cannot deal."

"Unbelievable," Carlos shook his head. "They might as well get a room."

Guy just sighed as he scratched the back of his head. "Weirdos."

A few missed scoring opportunities later, the former marine realized that he might have to briefly intervene, lest Cody cost them the match with his overexaggerated hubris. It was time for the Protectors to go, and they could use a tiny…break.

"Dude," Kyle pulled Cody aside. "You can complain now, but you'll thank me later."

"What's the big idea?!" Cody groaned.

"Just givin' you a sec to get your shit together and stop you from makin' a fool of yourself," he replied through gritted teeth. "You're so all over Jess, you're hardly thinkin' straight! I've been back for as long as Jess's been in town and haven't nearly been as over the top as you," he said with exasperation. "You're gonna cost us the match and Vanessa's gonna think I hate her with the way you're showing off!

"Oh," Cody rubbed the back of his head. "S-sorry…haha. I know that couldn't be further from the truth."

"What's up with you two, anyway?" Kyle casually sipped his beer, his cool just a smidge more effortless than his brother's. "Lookin' like you just picked up where ya left off, huh?"

"N-not exactly," the brawler swallowed. "We're…" he narrowed his eyes. "Dancin' around it."

His younger brother tilted his head. It was quite unlike Cody to be so…unsure of himself. "Sounds like you know how you're feelin' about it all."

"I…I'm pretty sure I'm still in love with her."

"Hopelessly so," Kyle rolled his eyes, somehow less surprised than his brother was. "And you're…confused?"

"I mean, we haven't spoken for ten fucking years."

"There's that…" Kyle mused as he looked toward the ceiling before taking another swig of his lager. "And there's the fact that youse are talkin' now…right? The media's all over your ass already, so what's the hold up?"

"I dunno, y'know. I guess…privacy's always gonna be outta the question for us at this point, but I'm just tryin' to be mindful of what Jess has gone through…"

"That's legit - I mean, the both of you have been through some shit. Sounds like you're in a tough spot. So - good luck to ya, then," Kyle grinned, Cody unamused before his expression relaxed into a bit of a more serious scowl than usual. "In my experience, more you try to downplay these sorts of things, the louder it gets before you can hear nothing but that. Things'll feel much better out in the open, trust me. Who cares what anyone thinks."

"Sounds like we both got some stuff to figure out," Cody crossed his arms. "Have you decided when you're gonna pop the question to Vanessa?"

"As soon as I can. 'Nessa doesn't care for fancy sort of grandiose displays, though, you know? But you know her brother would literally kill me if I didn't do it 'right'…whatever that means," Kyle rolled his eyes. "But who wouldn't want the best for a girl like her? I just know…that I wanna be with her 'til the day I die."

"Hah. Sounds like you at least care what she thinks."

"I always will."

The older brother stretched his arms above his head as he looked over to the group. Jessica spotted him and beckoned them both to rejoin the group.

"Get back over here, you two!" she called out. "Our turn's comin' up – and don't you even think of backpedaling on our deal, Cody - unless ya scared!"

Cody chuckled to himself. "What's it about 'em that makes us wanna take over the world?"

"I dunno, man. But it sure is nice to know…that nothing feels better than that."

"It sure is…"

It'd been a fun night. Cody didn't care how cute you were - if he said he was going to win something, he was going to win it. Getting a draw game on both counts, however…

"I can't believe this," Cody pouted, his infamous lack of sportsmanship seeping through his frown, Kyle laughing incessantly.

"Chill, bro – it's just a game."

"Whatever," he turned up his nose in indignation. "Another set."

"All right, all right everyone, cool ya jets," Lucia placated. "Before we do anything more – I think we need to pause for a sec just to acknowledge some good stuff goin' on."

"Now that's more like it," Carlos smiled. "A celebration of the finer things in life."

"I know that's right, Carlos!" Vanessa hollered, squeezing her boyfriend lovingly, tipsily so. Kyle rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, all too similar to his older brother…

"Let's go, Lucia!" Jessica laughed heartily. "Whatcha got for us?!"

"Go Luci, go!" Roxy squealed. "Who knew the Blondies could match up to us…"

"I was surprised, honestly," Guy shrugged, earning a bump on the shoulder from his old blond comrade.

"I still want a rematch!" Cody protested.

"EVERYONE. We need to toast! To all of us! Between Roxy's store just poppin', Carlos about to open his world-famous dojo, to Mr. Mayor makin' it a whole four months into his term, to my upcoming promotion to Lieutenant, to Guy - a whole Bushinryu Master, Jessica a two-time champ and to Kyle and Vanessa for—"

"To us? We just got here!" Vanessa laughed as Kyle nearly spit out his drink in surprise. Cody signaled to Lucia with an almost-subtle cut it out gesture to his neck, eyes desperately darting over to Kyle's direction.

"Uhh…for coming back to the greatest city in the world!" Lucia exclaimed sheepishly, Cody slumping back into his seat with relief. Good save, Officer.

The lieutenant-to-be raised her bottle. "To Metro City!"

"TO METRO CITY!" the group cheered.

It was impossible not to love what the city had to offer.